The epitome of fabulous!

Oh, it just never stops...the fabulous blogs out there. A recent add-on to my blog list and a new favorite of mine is a blog by Jesse Kamm. She is really amazing and also has a website where you can purchase her fabulous designs. Jesse's style is right up my alley to say the least. I want one of EVERYTHING please! Oh wait...WANT LESS (New Year's Resolution much!).

I love her most recent totes (hot off the press this week!) which I must have on my shoulder ASAP. Note to self: "Want Less!" But, it's so hard when they're are so many fabulous people out there doing fabulous things.

Here is Jesse modeling some of her designs.



I also love this picture she posted on her blog a few days back of her and her "little man".

The overalls with no shirt....to die for! Her words describing this moment were "Makes me think of Boy George and a small farmer having a tender moment in the wood shop." Love it! My "little man" will absolutely be in this "get up" soon!

Is this a groovy chick or what? Check out her bio. She is seriously the epitome of fabulous!

Is that me?!?!?!?

Alright. It's time to get down to business. Do you ever look at yourself in pictures and think "Wowsers. Is that me?? I thought I looked a bit better than THAT!" Well, that's been my experience lately and I've found myself spinning into post-pregnancy blues. But wait!!! Can you really use the whole "post-pregnancy blues" excuse when your baby is nearing 9 months??? Probably not considering they say "It takes 9 months to put it on and 9 months to pull it off". Hmmmm!!! Well, I have pulled it off...so I thought...or at least that's what the scale says...and my size...but pictures...not so much! I'm actually 8 lbs lighter than I was at my 8 week appointment (a.k.a first pregnancy weigh in). Not bad considering I gained 45+ lbs and Gaines was 5 weeks early. But, if you remember from past posts, I had gained 10 lbs prior to that appointment so I guess I have a few more to pull off...like 20 more to reach my goal weight (which I must add I haven't been since I was 18). ARGH!!!

Anyway, I've really struggled with exercise after this pregnancy. Mainly because the only time I really have to squeeze in a run is 5:30 / 6:00 a.m. and we don't typically get sleep which makes an early run merely impossible. So, I continue to push off the exercise and I'm doing good if I get one run in a week. Well, I'm done with this...period...end of story!

I have to post this only because I feel it will help hold me accountable. I'm going for it again. I was able to get one 1/2 marathon under my belt a few years back (just after Lo was born) and have yet to accomplish my goal of running a full marathon. I've tried several times but it hasn't worked...either because I find out I'm pregnant or work has me bogged down to the point where I can't function or lack of sleep due to a baby who doesn't sleep...Anyhow, I'm getting over all that. NO MORE EXCUSES!!! I love running and I love training for races so I'm just going to do it...no matter how painful (and I assure you it will be painful).

I start training for the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio 1/2 Marathon this weekend (I'm actually training for the marathon but will likely switch to the 1/2 marathon group in July). I'll then decide if I have a full marathon in me. As usual, I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm pumped and fully inspired by our Marfa trip (of course more on this soon which I must add will include NO pictures of me in the posts). I've done it before so I know I have it in me (somewhere deep) to do it again!

Oh, I'm also pretty pumped about our new ride(s). We decided to go ahead and become true Austinites (Is that a word?) which means you have to have a bike right?!?!? Clay got his all tuned up and I got a Cruiser. LOVE IT!!!

Here I am on the bike I love so much (to the right).

I can't believe I just posted a pic of myself but I figured out I look best in super blurry photos so I guess it's okay!

I still have to invest in a basket and bell of course and then a bike trailer to lug the kiddos around town. Lola is DYING for me to pick her up from school on my bike with the trailer in tow. She literally asks me about it every day so I guess we need to go ahead and get one. Of course, I'm still not sure I'm brave enough to get on the main roads yet (even though there are bike trails) but I really want to do this for Lo so we'll see!!!

A favorite moment!

This is a favorite moment that luckily we have just about every night. Bath Time! It's so nice that I can throw the kiddos in at the same time now. As Gaines gets older, it's amazing to see these two get closer and closer every day! There's nothing better than siblings. When you see moments like this every evening (a favorite for me) it makes you appreciate it even more!

A "Must Have" for the home!

I'm trying to figure out how I can get this couch into my living room ASAP!!!

This is my "Must Have" for the home. LITERALLY...I MUST HAVE! However, not sure this Ditte Sofa will find it's way into my living room anytime soon considering the cost is just around $4,000. YIKES! With that said, I'm still OBSESSED and trying to find a way to either have our couch recovered in a similar way or maybe do a chair. I'll be working on this and let you know how it turns out. Here are some more images of this jewel of a couch. ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!!

On another note, we just got back from the trip of a lifetime. A PHENOMENAL trip that I will never be able to describe in words or pictures! Our experience in Marfa was beyond any trip we've ever had before and we both feel full of life and inspiration! We have about 400+ pictures to upload so I can't wait to post.

Two peas in a pod

Growing up I always dreamed of having cousins close to my age. I have great cousins but they are all significantly younger than me (by 10 years). I'm so glad Lola and Gaines not only have each other but they have cousins that are very close in age and my hope is they will only grow closer as the grow older.

We try to see my family and Cousin Curry every couple weeks. It's crazy how quickly they're all growing up and changing. And, now, how they're communicating with each other. Lola LOVES Curry! She talks about her all the time and always wants to go see her. When they're together they're like two peas in a pod. Everywhere Lola is then Curry will be following close behind. It's adorable! Attached are some pics of the girls (and Curr-Bear and Gainesy) last weekend.

Curry and Lo got a new car to tool around in at Mena and Pawpaw's house. Lola was toting Curry around everywhere!

Although the pool is still too cold to swim, the girls put on their bathing suits and ran around the yard. We attempted to get a cute picture of them standing in front of the rose bush but that didn't quite work out.

Love the tutus!

And, of course, Curry following Lola. It's like they have a string attached to each other. Love it!

We also dyed eggs and had an Easter egg hunt.

Curry and Gaines are only 10 months apart in age. If we decide to start Gaines in school early, they would be in the same grade. But, no fear, because if we decide to start him late (which is more likely) then he'll be in the same grade as his future-cousin-to-be. Yep! Aunt Brana (a.k.a Beans) is PREGNANT! Yea!!! 12 weeks now. We should know the gender soon. I'm really hoping for a boy so Gainesy can have a little partner in crime!

Curry & Gaines playing in the yard. Yes, he's as big as her even though he is 10 months younger.

Watch out Curry....Gaines is going for your bubbles!

Head bop. They both came out of it fine!

We always look forward to more weekends like this!

A tote and a skirt...

I've gone and done it! I made my first pieces!!! That's plural you know! Can you believe it???? I'm more excited than ever about my sewing and what's to come from this whole venture. I now present to you a tote and a skirt.....

There they are in all their glory! YEA!!!

I made the tote in my sewing class this past Friday at the Stitch Lab. I like to call this class a "Life changing experience!" and I let the sewing instructor know that. I couldn't believe I actually finished this tote...and it looked good...really good actually! It even has a lining and a pocket on the inside. SERIOUSLY...I did it!

My adorable sister-in-law, Brana, loved it so I gave it to her. It felt good to give my first completed sewing project to someone very special and I know it will be in good hands and will get lots of use from Brana!

Now, onto the skirt. Well, I started from scratch AGAIN! After the class, I immediately came home and started sewing away as I was all pumped up on sewing adrenaline. And look....I figured out how to sew a straight line.

Once I figured out how to construct the piece and what was wrong with my machine, it made sewing the skirt much easier. Go figure!!! With that said, I was still trying to put the skirt together without using a pattern (and with a toddler and baby running/crawling/pulling all around me) and lets just say I found out the hard way that you need more than 2 inches on each side to make the skirt fit. I cut the skirt a little small (maybe it was hopeful thinking that I was actually that small...not so much!) and we had to add in an additional piece of fabric on the side. It was like project runway in this house Friday evening. Clay and I were working together to "Make it work!". I think it turned out fabulous even with the minor mistake.


I must say I'm VERY impressed with myself for making these first two items....all on my own!

I'm taking another class on 5/15 that will teach me a little more of the technical aspect of sewing and I can hardly wait. The anticipation is already rolling in my belly. Once I get through that class, then I'll start with the big stuff. In June, I'll be taking a three series class which will teach me how to make a dress from a pattern. Woohoo!!! By the end of June, I'll be making clothes for myself, friends and everyone in the family. Get ready for the next big fashion "line" (I'm only semi-serious about this of course)!

3 years 3.5 months and no trip to the ER...

UNTIL NOW! Yep, we made our first middle of the night trip to the ER this morning at about 2:30 a.m. ARGH!!! Our poor little Gainesy...just can't get through all of this sickness and seems to get everything.

We just ended an antibiotic for his fourth ear infection on Friday. On Saturday, I decided to make a quick trip to Big M (Midlothian) to hang out with my family and let Clay get some work done. Of course, as soon as we get there, Gaines started getting a funny cough and runny nose (once again). I didn't think much of it....especially since we JUST ended the antibiotic. Then it was time to go to sleep. Ahhh sleep! Not so much! I was up all night with the little guy. He was running a fever and I couldn't get it down below 101.5. Still no problem right?!?!?! Nope. We kept truckin'....

Then it was Sunday. I was going on no sleep (once again) and Gaines was still dealing with a runny nose, fever and a cough that seemed to just get worse by the hour. Clay was back home working and I tried to get some sympathy from him by whining about my night of no sleep (once again). His comment to my lack of sleep was "If it makes you feel any better, I'm only going on 3 hours sleep." This was due to work. And, yes, it made me feel better in a way. I was glad I wasn't the only one miserable due to tiredness. Sad huh?!?!? On the flip side, I also knew I wouldn't be off the hook on Sunday night to sleep because 1) Clay also needed sleep and 2) He was already planning to be up all night again to finish up a project for work. Ugh!!! I tried to nap all day but that was merely impossible with two toddlers running around, a gimp mom (due to foot surgery) and a sick baby.

We left Midlothian around 4:30 p.m. to head back home. I could tell Gainesy wasn't feel good but I also knew I had to get back so I could get him to the doctor first thing this morning. We had car trouble on the way back (which I'll explain later...another time...another blog). By the time we got home, Gaines was running 102.8 fever. I still couldn't get it down below 101. We started alternating Motrin and Tylenol and that seemed to work.

As we went to bed, I could tell Gaines had no plans of sleeping. It was 9:00 p.m., the kids were finally asleep and I was EX-HAUSTED but for some reason I couldn't sleep. I think it was my subconscious telling me "Don't bother going to sleep" because it knew as soon as I fell asleep Gaines would wake. Well, it seems my subconscious was right. I finally fell asleep around 11:30 and 15 minutes later, guess who woke up???? We were up and down all night. I finally just put him in bed with us. By 1:15 a.m., he was so hot that the heat protruding off his body actually woke me. I checked his temperature and it was up to 104.5 and his heart was racing. Poor little guy. Clay was in COMPLETE panic mode. So, here I was trying to calm two down...Clay and Gaines. It was time to call the doctor!!!

When the doctor called back, they recommended we go ahead and take him to the ER. We got to the ER around 2:45 a.m. When we got there Gaines was still (even with the high temperature and horrible cough) all smiles. Here he is in the hospital bed. Still smiling away! You wouldn't think he was sick right?!?!?!? Such a good natured precious baby boy!



Once we got his temp down, he was doing great of course. Jumping around and laughing at the ER. Nice! I kind of felt like an idiot sitting there but we didn't want to take the risk due to the high fever. Plus, Cousin Curry has gone through a bout of fever seizures and now that is one of my biggest fears. Can not imagine going through some of the experiences they have gone through with Curry. Anyway, to make a very long story short and a very long night longer, it turns out Gaines has Croup. Goodness gracious!!! One shot of cortisone later and we were heading home. We finally got home around 5:00ish. Needless to say, we didn't manage to get much sleep last night.

So, what in the world is Croup???? Well, it's a viral infection of the upper airway. Supposedly, it's pretty common and the doctor said it's going around right now. It usually starts with a slight fever and runny nose. Then it's following by a "barking" cough, noisy breathing and shortness of breath. The interesting thing is you don't need an antibiotic with Croup. The bad thing is, it usually takes 3-4 days and cortisone medicine to get better. So, here we are...although Gaines seems great today and the fever has actually subsided, he's home getting mommy love and soon to be daddy love so mommy can get some work done. Lets hope the worst of it is behind us!!! And, maybe we can catch some ZZZZs tonight...not likely I know...

When I grow up...

When I grow up, this is who I want to be....

I'm seriously dying over this chick. Not the model herself (although she is rockin') but the outfit, the accessories, the styling. L-O-V-E! This is all thanks to Free People (one among many of my obsessions. Well, really I only have four obsessions...that's not many I guess). I don't dare walk in the store for fear that my head may explode but I do love the catalog for inspirations and such. I so want these overalls. I have to have them but I'm suppose to "want less" right?!?!!? That's my New Year's Resolution. But, I want to be this groovy chick. Even with paint (or even better tattoos) all over my arms. So cool!

Or, what about this chick..

Love. Can I pull this off?!?!?!? I so want to...maybe one day...

I'm also dying over the girl below. I'm telling you Free People knows how to style their looks. I want all of it...oops...WANT LESS!

Lets get a closer look at this purse that is beyond words....

FAB-U-LOUS!!! Maybe I'll ask for this for my birthday. Good ol' 35 is right around the corner...ugh, ugh, ugh!

Lets move on...

Love this combo...

This is what I like to call bohemian chic!

And, this pants suit. SERIOUSLY rockin' pants suit.

And, the finale.... I DIE (Thank you Rachael Zoe for creating this fabulous phrase that says oh so much with only two small words)...these are the only words I have for this get up. Wait...I actually have three more words...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

Since I can't afford this dress, I wonder where I can get the tiger?!?!?!? What a great accessory!

The OUCH day...

Yesterday was what I like to call "The OUCH day!". You know...one that's encompassed by a horrible headache and tiredness due to staying out too late and maybe having a few too many the night before. Yep...that was me yesterday...full of OUCH!

When it was time to get up, I just couldn't force myself to do it. You know that feeling??? Clay finally said "Amy, There's no point in delaying the inevitable." Unfortunately, he was right. So, I toughed it out and just got up...OUCH! On top of this, Lola was in a major SOUR mood. Actually, this is a huge understatement considering the torture she put us through. She was FUSS-A-LISH and screamed all morning...literally!

It all started first thing. When Lo woke up, she wanted to stay in bed. Trust me, I completely understood that feeling as I felt the same way. Once I got her out of bed, she was full of whines, screams, yells, etc. This did not help my head AT ALL! I don't even know how we got clothes on her. We finally had to just put her in the car screaming crying in hopes this would calm her down...it didn't. Finally, I said "Lo, Do we need to call Dr. Mirrop and make an appointment?" ...I was thinking she may have an ear infection....surely this was the reason for the massive fit. Anyway, Lola wanted me to call Dr. Mirrop to make an appointment because "She had a fever and was sick" as she put it. So, ONCE AGAIN, I dialed Dr. Mirrop's office to schedule an appointment. As soon as the appointment was scheduled, Lola was fine. Just knowing she was going to see Dr. Mirrop at the end of the day made her feel all better and I finally got her off to school.

When it came down to it, considering we're at the doctors office almost every week (Last week Dr. Mirrop jokingly yet semi-serious said to me they are now receiving our mail), I couldn't bare to take Lola because she seemed fine. But, she kept telling me she didn't feel well so what does a parent do?!?!?! I couldn't tell if she really didn't feel well or if she just wanted to go see Dr. Mirrop. All kids LOVE Dr. Mirrop. I mean, have you ever heard of a child asking/begging to go to the doctor???? Well, this one does constantly and it's because of this guy...

Introducing Dr. Mirrop!

I'm sure he would really appreciate me posting his pic on my blog:). Anyway, as we were heading toward Dr. Mirrop's office, Lo and I talked a little bit about telling the truth and what a fib was. After explaining all, I asked her again "Are you really sick?". Of course the answer was once again "Yes. I need to go see Dr. Mirrop." Needless to say, she completely didn't get the whole truth vs. fib conversation so I abandoned it all together. Finally I did what every upstanding parent would do...I said "Lo, you have a choice. If your really sick, we can go see Dr. Mirrop. But, if you're not sick, we can go get an ice cream. So, what's the decision?" Well, guess what, it turns out Lola wasn't so sick and an ice cream would be just fine. So, off we went to Amy's Ice Cream (to help make Lola "feel better") and we also slipped into American Apparel (to help make Mommy "feel better"). Gotta love age 3!

Even with the OUCH day, Tuesday night was well worth it. Band of Horses ROCKED out and I'm even more obsessed with them. GOT - TO go see them again asap! I even enjoyed the Kings of Leon show. We also had a great time with friends. I was totally bummed I forgot my camera but Clay took a picture of us in front of the Kettle Corn stand...Random Huh??!?

Here we are (Kristen, Me of course, Erika and Soumya) ready to rock the Band of Horses show! Love all these girls (and their fabulous significant others). You really and truly couldn't find better people. We're very fortunate to have met them and have them in our lives!

Speaking of...LOVED this t-shirt Keith (Erika's hubby) was wearing. Looks like Clay as a baby...as a matter of fact...is this Clay??? I told Erika she has got to get me one. How cute would this tee look with my groovy skirts and shorts I'll be making?!?!?

BOH in the house. LOVE!

Anyway, we survived the day. Here are some pics of the little ones from yesterday evening...

This is where Gaines sits every evening when we're cooking dinner. He loves to look out the window and throw everything off the counters.

Here's Lo acting goofy when she was suppose to be eating dinner. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.


Gainesy is getting some floor time. We try to give him a lot of this before going to bed in hopes that he'll sleep good. Speaking of, we finally have him sleeping until 3:00 a.m. AND, after that wake-up, he typically doesn't wake again until 6:30 or so. YEA! He's also VERY close to crawling (he has a gorilla crawl now) and is pulling around everywhere. I'll have to catch it on video and post it...it's real cute!

Starting to get PRET-TY pumped about my sewing class tomorrow!!! Decided to hold off finishing the skirt until I learn how to sew a straight line....Ya think?!?!?! Did I tell yall, we're making a tote in our class tomorrow. SEW excited! Can't wait to catch you up on all the detail smetails!

Groovy gifts for groovy folk...

It seems everyone we know is either getting married or having babies. With this, comes lots of gift buying and giving which is actually one of my favorite things to do. But then the big question always comes...what in the world do you buy???? Well, for two of our good friends, we found the perfect groovy gifts.

First off, one of our best friends from NYC, Maria, got hitched. We didn't think anyone would be able to tie her down but low and behold a younger man snatched up this Spanish beauty. Clay had a trip booked to go to her wedding in NYC the weekend of August 7th (I was grounded due to the pregnancy) but guess what....Gainesy decided to arrive in the world a few weeks early so lets just say we didn't make the wedding. BUM-MER! Since then, Clay and I have looked and looked and thought and thought...what can we get them??? Maria's an artist so we wanted something that entailed art but we also wanted the gift to have some sort of meaning....that would make them think of us. We finally ran upon this photo by Meredith Stone on First Thursday. A photo of a wall on 38th and Guadalupe right in our very own town. Austin is of course known for it's random graffiti walls so we thought this was very fitting for them.

We plan to get it framed, wrap it up and have it shipped to them as a surprise considering this is a VERY delayed wedding gift. Better late than never right?!?!?

Then, another friend from NYC, Nick Gelpi (a.k.a. Gelpi) is getting married in June. In MIAMI at that...on my birthday weekend! It gets even better...on Fisher Island at the Vanderbilt Mansion. We won't be missing this wedding...no chance a baby will be coming early this time! Gelpi is a unique cat to say the least (in a very good way). You can't help but love this guy! He is FULL of character and we absolutely adore him. Since we had to miss the engagement party in March which was in NYC (due to job loss and strict budget), we've been wanting to send Nick & Estee something fun and quirky to help express our pure joy over their engagement. Again, we've been on a search and finally found the perfect gift for them. Check these out...

L-O-V-E! How fabulous are these guys made by a company based in Austin called Plaid Pigeon. They are a great little something for that totally groovy person(s) and could be fitting for any occasion....baby gift, birthday gift, engagement gift, etc. Love them!

We're getting geared up for the Kings of Leon and Band of Horses show tonight. Flutters are a rockin'...